From Field To Feast In The Art Coast®
“Farm-to-table” can sometimes feel like a trendy buzzword. But here in Saugatuck/Douglas, it’s a natural way of eating that comes from being surrounded by some of the richest agricultural land in the country. We’re lucky to be nestled in Michigan’s Fruit Belt, where orchards, vineyards, and farms thrive. And with Michigan being the nation’s second most agriculturally diverse state, the sheer abundance of what’s grown right here is nothing short of remarkable.
That means the tomatoes on your sandwich, the blueberries in your pancakes, the apples in your pie, or even the hops in your pint might have been picked just a few miles down the road. It also means that when you sit down at one of our local restaurants, you’re tasting the very best of the season—fresh, vibrant ingredients often harvested within the week. This closeness to the land creates a dining experience that feels deeply rooted in place, and it’s one of the many reasons why the Art Coast is such a special destination for anyone who values food at its source.
You’ll see this passion for local harvests reflected on menus all over town, but especially at places like:
A not-so-secret neighborhood gathering place in Fennville, Salt of the Earth is known for its wood-fired pizzas, scratch-made entrées, and artisan breads that may be some of the best you’ve ever tasted. (Check out Tripadvisor if you don’t believe us.) Their menu changes often, reflecting what’s in season, and their bar highlights Michigan’s craft breweries, wineries, and distilleries. It’s a place that feels both grounded in tradition and alive with flavorful creativity. If cozy, elevated, rustic-American hits your soul, then this is the place for you.
Pennyroyal in Saugatuck is a true love letter to farm-fresh ingredients, blending homestyle comfort food with culinary artistry. Executive Chef, 2025 James Beard Award Semi-Finalist, and Food Network’s Chopped winner, Missy Corey knows how to make breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus shine with heirloom produce coming from their own nearby farm as well as trusted partners like Visser Farms, Pleasant Hill Farm, Victory Farms, Mud Lake Farms, and more. And, as an extra bonus, their in-house bakery produces some of the area’s best baked goods.
This Douglas favorite is the perfect place for a relaxed lunch or grabbing something on the go for an elevated picnic by the lake. Hearty sandwiches, scratch-made soups, and vibrant salads are crafted with locally sourced ingredients, and the shelves are lined with regional goods—from artisanal cheeses to small-batch condiments—so you can stock up on delicious, wholesome provisions.
Crane’s Pie Pantry Restaurant & Winery
Located on a working fruit farm in Fennville, Crane’s is renowned for its homestyle pies, apple cider donuts, and comfort food classics. The restaurant serves up soups, salads, sandwiches, and small-batch fruit wines and hard ciders that celebrate the flavors of their orchards. A stop here feels like a true taste of Michigan, where every bite tells the story of family traditions and agricultural pride.
For those who love a good origin story: two childhood friends from Detroit—a bartender and a chef—joined forces to bring inspired food and craft cocktails that truly sing in Saugatuck. Partnering with farms like Latchaw Farms, Pebble Creek Produce, Hessey Farmstead, and others, their menu features seasonal ingredients that add a thoughtful, flavorful edge to every dish. And just as memorable as the food is the kind, attentive service that keeps people coming back.
This cozy café in Fennville is where local ingredients meet bold, inventive flavors. From house-made breads for their sandwiches to scratch-made chutneys, sauces, soups, and salads, everything is crafted with farm-fresh ingredients. The menu features an eclectic array of delights—think samosas, bibimbap, chilaquiles, and flatbread pizzas—all made in-house. Meats like their sausage, brisket, pork, and chicken are locally sourced, grass-fed, and slow-roasted to perfection, making every bite a true reflection of the region’s bounty.
A Douglas staple for over 20 years, Everyday People Café combines a welcoming atmosphere with inventive menus that highlight the best of the season. The team focuses on creative dishes and cocktails made from the freshest local ingredients, complemented by the finest quality items sourced from beyond the region when needed. Casual, upbeat, and approachable, EPC (as it’s affectionately known by the locals) is a place where the food and drink are delicious and the warm staff make you feel right at home.
With a menu of shareable small plates and carefully curated wines, Borrowed Time in Douglas is all about slowing down and savoring. The dishes draw on ingredients from local farms and change with the season—and often with the day—so there’s always something new to try. The intimate setting also adds to the experience, making it feel relaxed and welcoming, perfect for connection and conversation.
Proving that farm-to-table freshness applies to breakfast and lunch as well, this cheerful dinette in downtown Douglas has been dubbed the “happiest” spot for brunch. Chef-driven and rooted in locally sourced ingredients, the offerings put a creative twist on comfort food favorites, all served in a feel-good atmosphere.
